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The 6 Best Festivals in Dallas That Turned Us Into Annual Regulars
I was chatting with a friend about festivals the other day, and I jokingly told them, “If I don’t attend at least one every weekend, I start to develop withdrawal symptoms… like intense craving for funnel cakes and the need to dance awkwardly in public!”
Honestly, I wasn’t kidding—Dallas has a way of turning a simple weekend into a full-blown fête addiction. It’s a city where if you’re not at an event, you’re probably talking about one.
Over the years, I’ve found myself coming back to a few standout celebrations again and again. They’ve become traditions—annual staples that I look forward to like clockwork.
If you haven’t experienced each of these at least once, you’re missing out big time, and that’s just the truth!
Let’s take a look at the festivities that made me a regular—you’ll definitely want to save the dates!
1. Dallas Pride
Media credit: dallasprideofficial
Location: Fair Park
Website: https://dallaspride.org/
Admission for Music Festival:
- Adults (13+): $10
- Seniors (65+): $8
- Children (12 and under): Free
Admission for Festival and Parade: Free
Date: June
Undoubtedly, Dallas Pride is one of the most vibrant, joyful weekends the city puts on all year. In fact, Dallas has the sixth-largest LGBTQ+ community in the country, and we’ve been celebrating this fête for over 40 years!
It used to be in September for the longest time, but a few years back, they moved it to June to line up with National Pride Month.
The whole town feels electric—rainbows everywhere, music in the air, and people from all over the world pouring into Fair Park to be part of the celebration.
It’s a full weekend of festivities, but the parade on Sunday is the real crown jewel. The floats are outrageous in the best way, and the outfits are bold and beautiful!
But it’s not just for the grown-up crowd. There’s a Family Pride Zone tucked inside the Automobile Building—ideal if you’re bringing children. They’ve got bounce houses, face painting, and a little train ride for kiddos.
So while the little ones are living their best lives, you get to soak it all in without worrying they’re bored or overwhelmed.
Pro Tip:
Don’t drive. Parking around Fair Park during Pride is a mess. Just hop on the DART Green Line and ride it straight to Fair Park Station. It’ll drop you right by the action, and you’ll save yourself a lot of stress.
2. Juneteenth
Media credit: visit_dallas
Location: Fair Park and The Village Dallas
Website: https://www.fairparkjuneteenth.com/
Admission: Free
Date: June
Juneteenth in Dallas isn’t just a date on the calendar.
It marks June 19, 1865—the day when federal troops finally arrived in Galveston to make sure enslaved African Americans were actually freed, more than 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
That delay? Heavy. And it’s something that still hits hard, especially in Texas.
But here’s the thing: we don’t just remember it—we celebrate it. I’ve been to everything from block parties with soul food and live music to community panels that dig deep into the history.
You’ll see families setting up picnic blankets at parks, folks dancing in the streets during the parades, and kids running around with face paint and snow cones, soaking it all in.
It’s not just about looking back—it’s about joy, reflection, and being together.
Pro Tip:
Be ready for crowds. Juneteenth is popular and well-attended. Arrive early to get good spots for performances and activities.
3. Star-Spangled Spectacular
Media credit: starspangledfest
Location: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center
Website: https://www.dallassymphony.org/concerts-and-events/
Admission: $26-82
Date: July
Star-Spangled Spectacular at the Meyerson is how you celebrate the 4th of July without turning into a puddle!
The Dallas Winds take the stage with this super energetic performance—we’re talking classic American tunes, lots of flag-waving moments, and yes, even indoor fireworks!
I still don’t fully understand the science of it, but it’s got sparkle and boom without the heat or smoker. Only in Dallas, right?
You’re not sitting there sweating it out either. The Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center is gorgeous and fully air-conditioned, which might be my favorite part.
They usually have snacks too—hot dogs, maybe some scoop of ice cream—and it just turns into this laid-back, joyful evening. Super family-friendly, but also fun if you’re going with friends or even on a date.
Pro Tip:
Getting to Meyerson is easy. If you’re riding DART, get off the bus near Pearl and Ross or hop off the DART Rail at Pearl Bryan—just a short walk from there.
If you’re driving, valet parking is available at the Flora Street Entrance, which is a real lifesaver, especially if you’ve dressed up for the occasion.
4. Riverfront Jazz Festival
Media credit: tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival
Location: Fair Park
Website: https://www.tbaalriverfrontjazzfestival.org/
Admission: $85
Date: August
The Riverfront Jazz Festival happens at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, which, by the way, is massive—ideal for that big, rich jazz sound that just fills the whole space.
But don’t expect it to be just your granddad’s jazz lineup. This festival’s got range. One minute you’re swaying, the next you’re deep in your feels with some neo-soul or getting up in your groove with R&B and blues. They mix it up, and it works!
Between sets, take your time browsing through the vendor booths—there’s handmade jewelry, artsy keepsakes, and quirky finds.
As for food, whether you’re a food truck kind of person or prefer munching on something quick inside the convention center, you’ll find your go-to.
Back in 2023, I had a funnel cake in one hand and wings in the other, looking completely unbothered about it. It’s not a festival if I’m not covered in powdered sugar and hot sauce.
Pro Tip:
You can park at the convention center. It’s 15 bucks per vehicle in the garage, and it saves you a ton of time circling downtown.
5. State Fair of Texas
Media credit: statefairoftx
Location: Fair Park
Website: https://bigtex.com/
Admission:
- Daily: $10-25
- Season Pass: $50
Date: September to October
You haven’t really done fall in Dallas until you’ve spent a day—or, let’s be honest, a few—at the State Fair of Texas. The whole thing takes over Fair Park for 24 days straight, which makes it the longest-running fair in the country.
And believe me, once you get a taste of it, you’ll understand why people keep coming back year after year!
The moment you walk through the gates, you’re greeted by Big Texas himself—the towering cowboy who talks to you with that slow Texas drawl, like some long-lost uncle welcoming you back.
From there, it’s a blur of deep-fried everything (yes, including butter), live music, livestock shows, pig races, and more photo ops than your phone battery can handle.
You have to try a Fletcher’s corny dog—it’s basically a rite of passage around here. And if you can swing it, ride the Texas Star Ferris wheel at sunset. There’s nothing quite like seeing the fairgrounds light up while the Dallas skyline turns gold.
Tickets vary depending on the day—anywhere from $10 to $25—but if you know you’ll be back more than once (which, if you live here, you will), the season pass is $50 and totally worth it.
Pro Tip:
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare, especially on weekends. It’ll run you anywhere from $20 to $40, and trying to find a spot is a test of patience I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
Skip the drama and just hop on the DART Green Line. It drops you off right at the front gates, and your future self will thank you.
6. Dallas Blooms
Media credit: thedallasarboretum
Location: 8525 Garland Rd
Website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/events-activities/dallas-blooms/
Admission: $13-22
Date: February to April
I’ve got to tell you, Dallas Blooms is one of the most jaw-dropping sights in the city!
I went one year in early March, thinking I’d just pop in for a stroll—and I ended up spending the whole afternoon just wandering through the gardens like I was inside a giant, living painting!
We’re talking half of a million flowers exploding with color—tulips, daffodils, pansies—all perfectly arranged and timed to bloom just right.
The festival usually runs from February to April, and each year comes with a fresh new theme, so even if you’ve been before, there’s always something different to see.
They set up huge floral installations and little interactive exhibits, and on the weekends, there’s usually some live music floating through the gardens.
Admission’s rolled into your regular Arboretum ticket, which is usually around $13 to $22, depending on age or if you snag a discount.
Parking’s an extra $11 to $15, so if you’re going with friends, carpooling saves you a few bucks (and makes the post-flower coffee run easier, too).
Pro Tip:
Avoid the weekend rush and go on a weekday if you can. It’s way calmer, and you’ll appreciate the peace while soaking it all in. And if you go on a Wednesday, they have this Buy One, Get One free deal on tickets.
